Musical showcase celebrates Sarawak’s diversity

KUCHING: The Sarawak International Band and Orchestra Festival (SIBOFest) 2024 will captivate local music enthusiasts for four days, from September 17 to 20.

The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, announced that the festival will span three days at Lodge Secondary School, culminating in the final day at the Waterfront Hotel in Kuching.

“We are delighted to welcome approximately 200 participants, including 15 tutors hailing from Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan, with 60 attendees from the esteemed Japanese school band, the ‘Aikodai Meiden High School Symphonic Band,'” he expressed.

The Minister made these remarks during a press conference regarding the program at the Baitulmakmur II Building today (Sep 2).

He underscored that the four-day music festival serves as a crucial platform for showcasing the talents of young musicians, orchestras, related industries, teachers, and musicians from Malaysia and beyond, fostering an exchange of experiences.
He elaborated on how this aligns with the festival’s theme, ‘Music, Culture, and Community,’ which resonates with the program’s objectives.

“This theme underscores our dedication not only to musical excellence but also to the promotion of cultural richness and the cultivation of enduring connections through music.
“It symbolizes our commitment to upholding Sarawak’s longstanding tradition of harmony and cultural diversity, which we seek to enrich through events such as this.
“We believe that music transcends boundaries, drawing individuals together in a spirit of community within Sarawak and extending this sense of belonging to an international audience,” he articulated.

Moreover, he highlighted how SIBOFest promotes cultural aspects by arranging visits to the Borneo Culture Museum and presenting traditional instruments indigenous to Sarawak.
“We will spotlight Sarawak’s unique cultural heritage, ensuring that SIBOFest remains a distinctive experience within Sarawak.

“These activities are thoughtfully crafted to edify visitors on Sarawak’s cultural wealth while safeguarding traditional arts,” he concluded.